Is daylight a robbery?

Asked by: Prof. Maggie Buckridge DDS  |  Last update: February 9, 2026
Score: 4.3/5 (4 votes)

"Daylight robbery" isn't literally about stealing sunlight but is an idiom for blatant, outrageous overcharging or unfairness, like being charged a fortune for something basic, originating from the shocking brazenness of daytime crimes or perhaps a historical Window Tax. It's used when someone feels an exorbitant price or unfair deal is so obvious it's as if the person is getting away with theft in plain sight.

What is a daylight robbery?

a situation in which someone is charged a price that is much too high: The banks should not be able to get away with this daylight robbery.

Is it daylight robbery?

If someone charges you a great deal of money for something and you think this is unfair or unreasonable, you can refer to this as daylight robbery. They're just ripping the fans off; it's daylight robbery.

What exactly is daylight robbery?

noun. Charging exorbitant prices, as in The amount you're asking for this couch is daylight robbery. [Mid-1900s] Also see highway robbery.

What is the saying daylight robbery?

The phrase is used to suggest audacity - if a robbery is committed during daylight hours, it is the more shocking for that.

Imogen Heap - Daylight Robbery

18 related questions found

Is daylight robbery a true story?

Most of us have used the phrase “daylight robbery” when we feel we are being ripped off. It is a persistent myth that this phrase originated from the infamous Window Tax, where the government literally taxed the light coming into your home. While the tax was very real—and hated—the linguistic link is shaky.

What's a slang word for robbery?

robbery, steaming (informal), theft, mugging (informal), stick-up (slang, US)

What is an example of daylight robbery?

A: If you went into a bar and they charged you $19 for a glass of wine, you might call that daylight robbery. It's really about blatant overcharging these days.

Who committed the first daytime robbery?

Jesse James is probably one of the most notorious outlaws of the Wild West. He is credited with the first daylight bank robbery in the US, although it was probably his "gang" that pulled off the $60,000 heist in Liberty, Missouri, and not Jesse himself.

What are the three styles of robbery?

The three main styles or degrees of robbery are typically categorized by severity, often involving degrees like First, Second, and Third Degree, differing by factors such as the use of weapons, accomplices, or the level of injury, with First Degree being the most severe (e.g., causing serious harm or using a deadly weapon) and Third Degree the least (e.g., basic force during theft). Alternatively, some categorize them as Basic, Armed, and Aggravated Robbery, highlighting the presence of weapons or increased harm. 

How common are daytime robberies?

Burglars commonly strike in the early afternoon -- one specifically said between "12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m." People who go home for lunch or errands have most likely finished and are back to work during these hours, so there's a greater chance the home will be empty.

What are the elements of daylight robbery?

'Daylight Robbery' is a figure of speech to describe an unfair trade that is so clear and obvious that you could have robbed the victim in broad daylight. However, the meaning of the phrase has evolved over time. When it was first coined, the meaning of 'daylight robbery' was literally that daylight was being stolen.

Why do people rob at night?

The darkness of night helps them move confidently without being noticed. Many burglars do robberies at night in areas where there is less movement and no activity in the houses. People usually go to sleep and houses become quiet, such points create ideal conditions for the robbers to confidently follow their plans.

Do robberies happen in the day?

Research suggests that most burglars break in during the day, typically between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. on weekdays. This is because you're less likely to be home during the day, especially during the 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. window.

What is the highest form of robbery?

In terms of possible harm and penalties, aggravated robbery crimes are the most serious. These offenses generally involve a weapon, serious injury to a victim, a home invasion or carjacking, or a vulnerable victim. A person convicted of aggravated robbery could face 20 or more years in prison.

What is the meaning of daylight heist?

The correct answer is Option 4 i.e. 'Blatant and unfair overcharging. ' The idiom 'daylight robbery' means 'to charge someone blatantly and unfairly.

What is the fastest robbery in history?

It was the story of the fastest heist in history, as told by investigative journalist Geoff White in his book “The Lazarus Heist”. $625 million worth of cryptocurrency was stolen in under 2 minutes!

How old are Jessie and James?

In the games, Jessie and James are supposed to be the same age as Ash. However, according to a special CD available only in Japan, Jessie and James are in their 20's in the second episode of Anime.

What were John Dillinger's last words?

John Dillinger's actual last words are unknown, but popular legends and fictional portrayals suggest either "You got me!" or "Bye, bye, Blackbird," though the FBI claimed he said nothing as he died outside the Biograph Theater in 1934. The "Bye, bye, Blackbird" line comes from the 2009 film Public Enemies, inspired by his girlfriend's nickname. 

What is the most famous robbery?

Heists and Hustles: 10 of the World's Most Audacious Crimes

  • The Antwerp diamond heist. ‍
  • Dunbar: America's biggest cash grab.
  • The 203-carat Millennium Star diamond, part of the $500m Millennium Dome display.
  • Harry Winston heist.
  • 1997: A disappointing year for Loomis Fargo. ‍
  • Hatton Garden heist.

Why do we say daylight robbery?

(The Window Tax lasted until around 1851, and older houses with bricked-up windows are still a common sight in UK.) As the bricked-up windows prevented some rooms from receiving any sunlight, the tax was referred to as daylight robbery.

Do robberies happen at night?

Nighttime Burglaries

Although less frequent, nighttime break-ins are still a concern. Around 21.8% of burglaries happen at night, between midnight and 4 a.m. Some reports say the numbers are closer to 53% during the day and 47% at night, showing that while burglars prefer daytime, the danger is there all the time.

What is the British slang for stealing?

🇬🇧 British Slang of the Day: "Nicked" 👉 Meaning: Stolen, or to steal something. 🗣️ Example in a sentence: "Someone nicked my bike while I was in the shop!" 🔍 Note: Widely used across the UK in both casual and police contexts. Can also mean being arrested (e.g., "He got nicked by the cops.").

What is slang for gangster?

mobster (US, slang) racketeer. desperado. The judge described him as a `wicked desperado' and jailed him for life. ruffian.

What is a fancy word for stealing?

Common synonyms for stealing include thieving, robbing, pilfering, embezzling, lifting, pinching, swiping, filching, and purloining, with many informal or specific terms like heisting, nicking, snitching, looting, plundering, ripping off, or appropriating, depending on the context (e.g., taking money, stealing from a store, or taking ideas).